Luke Littler vs Luke Humphries LIVE: Teenage sensation slips to defeat in World Darts Championship final
Luke Littler’s remarkable run ended without a fairytale finish as the new world No 1 triumphed
Teenage superstar Luke Littler had his dream ending of winning a world title taken away by the impressive performance of new World No. 1 Luke Humphries who came from behind to win the World Darts Championship in a thrilling finale at Alexandra Palace.
Littler, seemingly unfazed by the occasion, started poorly with the darts in the opening set as Humphries slipped seamlessly into his rhythm. He broke the teenagers throw and went on the claim the set in quick fashion. Littler responded after the break with two 100+ finishes to get back on level terms.
Humphries took the third set and Littler the fourth with neither player managing to hold their throw in these early stages. It was the fifth set that saw Littler begin to tick in his, now almost trademark fashion. He hunted down the treble 20s and finished off his checkouts with verve as Humphries began to flounder. The 16-year-old took three sets in a row to open up a lead of two.
The final then swung definitively. Humphries upped his level as Littler’s dipped. The 28-year-old banging in the 180s with gusto and clinching enough doubles under pressure to keep the teenager at bay. When Humphries retook the lead from a break of throw the momentum was firmly in his corner and a hold of throw moved him within one set of victory.
Littler never wilted, he was out thrown. Constant pressure made Humphries work for his victory but a firm showing in the final set saw him win the deciding leg with a double 16 finish and lift the World Championship trophy for the first time.
Relive all the action below, and get the latest darts betting site offers here:
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Who is Luke Humphries? The new world No 1 out to stop darts prodigy Luke Littler in final
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The stats behind teenager Luke Littler’s run to the World Championship final
Sixteen-year-old Luke Littler has stormed into the World Championship final with a 6-2 win over former champion Rob Cross.
Here are some of the more incredible stats that put the youngster’s achievements in context.
The stats behind teenager Luke Littler’s run to the World Championship final
Littler would be the first player to win the title on his debut since Rob Cross in 2018.
Who is Luke Humphries?
And what about his opponent? Luke Humphries may have been right among the favourites entering this festive fortnight of arrows and action but this is new territory for him, too. Lawrence Ostlere looks at the story of a 28-year-old who has had to battle adversity to reach the top.
Who is Luke Humphries? The world No 1 out to stop darts prodigy Luke Littler in final
The understated Humphries, nicknamed ‘Cool Hand Luke’, has had to overcome adversity to rise to the top of the sport, and now faces the sensational teenager Luke Littler in the world darts final
Meet Luke Littler - the 16-year-old darts prodigy flying at Ally Pally
So how has Luke Littler come from nowhere to produce this remarkable run? Here’s a little bit more about the teenager just six sets away from getting his hands on darts’ biggest prize.
Meet Luke Littler – the 16-year-old darts prodigy lighting up the World Championship
Littler has had Alexandra Palace rocking and now stands on the brink of the World Darts Championship final
World Darts Championship final LIVE
It all gets going at 7.30pm GMT this evening, our two combatants bidding to be the Luke with the coolest hand in the heat of Ally Pally battle. Here’s everything you need to know ahead of the final:
How to watch the World Darts Championship: TV channel and online stream
Everything you need to know about the tournament
World Darts Championship final LIVE
It’s here! Hello and welcome along to The Independent’s coverage of World Darts Championship final day, with Alexandra Palace sure to be rocking later as an expectant crowd ready themselves for one last contest to decide this remarkable edition.
Teenage phenom Luke Littler is just one match away from completing an extraordinary triumph, the 16-year-old in irresistable form in his semi-final win over former champion Rob Cross and now bidding to become champion on debut to complete a fairytale sporting story.
Standing in his way is the new number one - Luke Humphries climbed to the top of the world rankings with a 6-0 thrashing of Scott Williams yesterday. Can the pre-tournament favourite dash Littler’s teenage dream? We’ll have all the build-up right through to tonight’s action, so follow along!
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